TAIPEI (TVBS News) —The Taipei City Government announced Tuesday (Nov. 19) that it will demolish the Heping-Xinsheng Pedestrian Bridge (和平新生天橋) after determining that it lacks potential cultural heritage value. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation by Taipei's Department of Cultural Affairs (台北市文化局) and a group of six committee members who conducted an on-site inspection on Nov. 13.
The "Protect Heping-Xinsheng Pedestrian Bridge" group (守護和平新生天橋) had earlier reported the bridge's cultural significance. After receiving the application on Nov. 5, the cultural affairs department swiftly organized the inspection. After listening to input from the applicants, the public, and city officials, committee members unanimously concluded that the bridge did not meet the criteria outlined in the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act (文化資產保存法).
Taipei's Public Works Department (台北市工務局) announced the bridge closure for demolition starting today, with plans to complete the process by Nov. 30. During this period, officials will expand traffic control around the area. Following the demolition, the department will restore the road surface and aim to minimize disruptions, emphasizing a people-centered road environment.
The bridge, featured in classic films like Edward Yang's (楊德昌) "Yi Yi" (一一) and Ang Lee's (李安) "Eat Drink Man Woman" (飲食男女), has long served as a city landmark.